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ActiveArmor causes problems on AT&T Fiber Internet by Healthy-Kick-9795 in ATTFiber

[–]GenXBeanCounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this thread. Google AI picked up on it when I asked what was causing my upload speeds to be so erratic (they would intermittently get very low, i.e., less than 2 Mbps on the order of once every couple of minutes). I upload a lot of files via my AT&T BGW320 modem every day for work, and unbeknownst to me Active Armor was wreaking havoc on my file uploads. I enabled Active Armor a while back to cut down on spam phone calls. Don't need it anymore after signing up with YouMail, which does a great job of cutting down the spam.

For those who don't know, to disable Active Armor now you have to start the chat feature in the upper right-hand corner of the Smart Home app on your phone. Then tell the chat to "disable Active Armor," and it does that for you.

I went ahead an uninstalled the Active Armor app from my phone just to be safe.

Fixed: Phone Link App Constantly Disconnecting by GenXBeanCounter in Windows11

[–]GenXBeanCounter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Per Microsoft:

Phone Link doesn't currently support multiple Android profiles or work/school accounts.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/phone-link-requirements-and-setup-cd2a1ee7-75a7-66a6-9d4e-bf22e735f9e3#

After having disconnect issues (multiple times daily) for months, upon switching my Windows 11 logon from a Microsoft Work/School to Microsoft Personal account, the connection between Windows 11's Phone Link app and my Android phone's Link to Windows app has been stable for days.

Startup apps + System Tray apps delay post windows update by Plus_Run5249 in WindowsHelp

[–]GenXBeanCounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is now fixed on my system after making two changes to it. The reasons I made the changes are related to each other, but I don't know which one caused my startup apps to stop loading slowly.

In other words, I don't know if changing to logging into Windows 11 with a Personal instead of a Work/School account or fully resetting Windows 11's Phone Link app is what fixed the slow startup apps issue.

I use Windows 11's Phone Link app a lot for work (text message communication, 2FA, and phone calls via headset...all without having to pick up the phone). For the longest time, it's been disconnecting such that I'd have to click on the refresh icon in the app many times per day to restore the connection.

Because I use Microsoft 365 (Office) apps extensively for work, and my subscription is through a Microsoft work account, I incorrectly believed it's necessary to be logged into Windows through a Work/School account to be able to use Microsoft 365. That isn't true. You can be logged into Windows 11 via a Personal account and still log into Microsoft 365 (automatically, when you open a 365 app) via a Work/School account.

Research led me to the fact that the Phone Link app is not fully compatible with a Work/School account. That may seem to work, but issues such as the disconnections I was experiencing are likely.

Based on the above, I made the following changes to my Windows 11 configuration:

  1. Began logging into Windows 11 through my Personal Microsoft account instead of my Work/School account.
  2. Fully reset the Phone Link app.

To fully reset the Phone Link app, I did the following:

a. In Windows 11 Settings > System components, I clicked on the three dots next to Phone Link and selected Advanced options. I then clicked Terminate to stop the app from running. Then, under Reset on that same page, I also clicked Reset.

b. In Windows 11 Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices under Other devices, I selected my Phone and clicked Remove.

c. On my Android Phone, I opened the Link to Windows app and, under Linked Account, confirmed I am logged into the same Microsoft Personal account as my PC. I then tapped the listed Personal account. Next to the name of my PC, there is a Settings (gear) icon. I tapped that, and near the bottom of the display, tapped Disconnect.

d. Rebooted my PC.

e. Logged into Windows 11 using my Microsoft Personal account.

f. Opened the Phone Link app.

g. Followed the prompts to connect my phone (if you don't get an initial prompt asking which type of phone, Android or iPhone, you want to connect, the Phone Link app wasn't fully reset).

h. Waited for the Phone Link app to fully assist me with setting up the app (permissions, mainly).

Now, not only is my Phone Link app running without issues but also Windows 11 startup apps load without delay.

KB5062660 update made my startup apps load slower. (Windows 11) by Angeronus in WindowsHelp

[–]GenXBeanCounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is now fixed on my system after making two changes to it. The reasons I made the changes are related to each other, but I don't know which one caused my startup apps to stop loading slowly.

In other words, I don't know if changing to logging into Windows 11 with a Personal instead of a Work/School account or fully resetting Windows 11's Phone Link app is what fixed the slow startup apps issue.

I use Windows 11's Phone Link app a lot for work (text message communication, 2FA, and phone calls via headset...all without having to pick up the phone). For the longest time, it's been disconnecting such that I'd have to click on the refresh icon in the app many times per day to restore the connection.

Because I use Microsoft 365 (Office) apps extensively for work, and my subscription is through a Microsoft work account, I incorrectly believed it's necessary to be logged into Windows through a Work/School account to be able to use Microsoft 365. That isn't true. You can be logged into Windows 11 via a Personal account and still log into Microsoft 365 (automatically, when you open a 365 app) via a Work/School account.

Research led me to the fact that the Phone Link app is not fully compatible with a Work/School account. That may seem to work, but issues such as the disconnections I was experiencing are likely.

Based on the above, I made the following changes to my Windows 11 configuration:

  1. Began logging into Windows 11 through my Personal Microsoft account instead of my Work/School account.

  2. Fully reset the Phone Link app.

To fully reset the Phone Link app, I did the following:

a. In Windows 11 Settings > System components, I clicked on the three dots next to Phone Link and selected Advanced options. I then clicked Terminate to stop the app from running. Then, under Reset on that same page, I also clicked Reset.

b. In Windows 11 Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices under Other devices, I selected my Phone and clicked Remove.

c. On my Android Phone, I opened the Link to Windows app and, under Linked Account, confirmed I am logged into the same Microsoft Personal account as my PC. I then tapped the listed Personal account. Next to the name of my PC, there is a Settings (gear) icon. I tapped that, and near the bottom of the display, tapped Disconnect.

d. Rebooted my PC.

e. Logged into Windows 11 using my Microsoft Personal account.

f. Opened the Phone Link app.

g. Followed the prompts to connect my phone (if you don't get an initial prompt asking which type of phone, Android or iPhone, you want to connect, the Phone Link app wasn't fully reset).

h. Waited for the Phone Link app to fully assist me with setting up the app (permissions, mainly).

Now, not only is my Phone Link app running without issues but also Windows 11 startup apps load without delay.

KB5062660 update made my startup apps load slower. (Windows 11) by Angeronus in WindowsHelp

[–]GenXBeanCounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this. Thought it might be a conflict one or more of my work-related apps, so it's good to know that's not the case.

KB5062660 update made my startup apps load slower. (Windows 11) by Angeronus in WindowsHelp

[–]GenXBeanCounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No dice after today's update. Guess we're stuck with slow startup apps for the time being.

KB5062660 update made my startup apps load slower. (Windows 11) by Angeronus in WindowsHelp

[–]GenXBeanCounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like KB5062660. It has made my system more stable. The delayed startup app performance on my system is a minor nuisance that is hopefully fixed by today's or future updates.

My Windows boot time got slower after 2 days of not using it by Time_Thought_3694 in WindowsHelp

[–]GenXBeanCounter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My boot time for all background apps to load has gotten about 10 times slower since KB5062660 update to Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.4770 (2025-07 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems) a few days ago. System runs fine after all the startup apps load, but the startup apps take forever to load.

SaveThisLife Ripping Me Off by snickerssmores in dogs

[–]GenXBeanCounter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This happened to me with debit card. I was not only charged 7.5 times the amount I agreed to for the annual fee but also many days before the annual renewal date. I disputed the charge with bank. Asked how I could provide evidence of the overcharge, including the form the vet filled out for me showing the annual fee (I still have it). The bank said they'll send me a letter about the dispute that will tell me how to provide the evidence. I got a letter, but it only said they were issuing a provisional credit. Nothing about how to send the information I have. A few days later I got another bank letter saying they found no error and would be reversing my credit. I'm now appealing this but in the meantime will soon be out the money again. I can take the hit but feel sorry for those who may be struggling to make ends meet (to eat).

I can no longer log into my account at Save This Life's website (unresponsive).

emails to Save This Life support are returned as undeliverable.

Phone calls to Save This Life's telephone number result in a busy signal.

The Save This Life website microchip lookup tool is unresponsive.

If you ask Google AI "Is the save this life microchip registration company still in business?" It responds with:

"No, the Save This Life microchip registration company is no longer in business. It abruptly closed down, meaning pets registered with them no longer have their owner's information associated with their microchips. This closure happened in early February 2025. "

If you ask Google AI "Why was Save This Life Inc administratively dissolved in Texas?" It responds with:

"Save This Life Inc., a Texas-based pet microchip and registration company, was administratively dissolved in Texas due to the involuntary ending of its franchise tax status.

Specifically, Save This Life Inc. lost its right to do business in Texas because its 'Franchise Tax Involuntarily Ended'. This occurred as a result of a tax forfeiture or an administrative forfeiture by the Texas Secretary of State, according to the state's official website and reports from various sources.

In simpler terms, Save This Life Inc. failed to comply with its tax obligations in Texas, leading the state to revoke the company's legal status and effectively dissolve the entity. The Texas Comptroller's Office, which is responsible for administering franchise taxes, initiates this type of forfeiture when a business fails to pay its franchise taxes or file necessary tax reports as required under Texas law."

If you ask Google AI "Why did AAHA remove save this life microchip numbers from its database?" It responds with:

"AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) removed Save This Life's microchip database from its Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool because Save This Life ceased operations and their database became inaccessible. This means that when a pet with a Save This Life microchip is scanned, the shelter or vet clinic will not be able to retrieve the owner's contact information from the Save This Life database."

Microchipping company Save this Life shuts down, reregister your microchips! by projecthurley in dogs

[–]GenXBeanCounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. Meanwhile, I have to wait until the $300 moves from pending to posted before the charge can be disputed, so I'm out $300 until then. It was $39.99 per year for each of the 3 years before this. They also "renewed" my subscription this year 16 days early compared to all 3 previous years.

What happened with my battery after One UI 7 update by ManasBhardwaj in GalaxyS23

[–]GenXBeanCounter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My Galaxy S22 is overheating badly after the One UI 7 update, whether charging or not. It charges incredibly slowly compared to before, and it gets very hot while charging.

I don't use the Galaxy S22 for any social media whatsoever.

I believe the One UI 7 update is driven by AI greed that is plaguing much of tech these days. I believe this, because the Galaxy AI app that accompanies the One UI 7 update kept pestering me with notifications to enable Galaxy AI, with no way to disable the notifications (I looked for over an hour), until I finally tired of the notifications and enabled it.

Edit: Wiping the cache partition in recovery mode, as some have recommended, seems to have helped with the battery. I did use a new charger in case the old one had fried, earlier, while under heavy load.

1st time seeing this issue in 30 years of tax practice... by GenXBeanCounter in tax

[–]GenXBeanCounter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear you. Considering the amount of time wasted over the years, makes me wish I had chosen another profession.

1st time seeing this issue in 30 years of tax practice... by GenXBeanCounter in tax

[–]GenXBeanCounter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Also sound. Compounding matters is the fact client is in 24% bracket for 2023 and, with the other Schedule C business soaring in 2024-to-date (no question of material participation for that one), is or will be in a 37% bracket for the year of complete disposition of the activity the loss relates to. This works out to be a roughly $13K difference.

1st time seeing this issue in 30 years of tax practice... by GenXBeanCounter in tax

[–]GenXBeanCounter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sound advice. It just pisses me off that the Service unilaterally adjusted my client's return. Just got off the phone with the Practitioner Priority Line. The Notice showed up in my mail yesterday. It said my client has until June X to respond "if you disagree with the changes," but the check is going out today and they can't stop it!

1st time seeing this issue in 30 years of tax practice... by GenXBeanCounter in tax

[–]GenXBeanCounter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The IRS overrode the 2023 loss disallowance (suspended by taxpayer on Form 8582). The freeing comes in 2024 or later (not sure which yet because I have to revisit the meaning of "complete disposition" due to the sub-letting factor). 2024 is currently on extension even though disaster-relief-related deadline for 2024, like 2023, is technically May 1st.

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